Threader



June 29, 1937. 7 L, M, w|DMARK 2,085,560

THREADER Filed Dec. 25, 1935 1N! 'EN TOR.

L/LL r my WIDMHRK ATTORNEY.

Patented June 29, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

, This invention relates to threading and inverting devices for use by tailors, seamstresses, and other workers in textile fabrics, and the object is to provide a simple, and practical device for that purpose which is not only efficient in use, but economical in manufacturing cost, and easy to manipulate. The device has a plurality of uses, probably the most important two of which are to provide means for threading or directing and drawing a cord, string, tape, or the like through a tubular garment part, such as in cording, shirring, belting and similar tailoring practices; and for inverting tubular garment parts which have been formed by overlaying and stitching together opposite edges of a garment strip so that the raw or stitched edges may be reversed and brought within the tube. This is often done where the tailor or seamstress desires to form a neat fabric strip for use in making button loops, belt loops, belts, draw cords, fancy cloth buttons, and numerous other clothing or dress accessories.

The device embodies various structural features, all of which are clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of my improved threader.

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing how the threader is applied to a tubular fabric member which is to be inverted.

Fig. 3 shows the threader in an tion during the inverting process.

Fig. 4 is a view of the tubular fabric member completely inverted, the threader being in its completely withdrawn position, remaining only to be unhooked from the fabric member.

Fig. 5 shows how the threader may be employed to draw a cord or other flexible strip through a garment or fabric tube, such as is done in so called cording.

The threader or inverter comprises a single piece of wire formed into three bar portions 6, 1,

advanced posiand 8, integrally connected as by end loops 9 and I0, and lying in close, parallel positions. The bar 8 terminates short of the loop 9, as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5, while at the opposite end of the device the bar 6 extends beyond the loop Ill and there terminates in a hook I I, as in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 5. 'I'hematerial for the device is preferably spring steel wire of sufficient rigidity to be pushed and manipulated without becoming bent or distorted, yet having sufficient flexibility so that it can adjust itself to some extent.

As one illustration of how the device may be employed, I have shown, in Fig. 2, a fabric tube or hollow tape A, which has been formed from a strip of material, the side edges of which have been brought together and sewed by stitchings B. To complete this article for use it is desired to invert it so that the stitching will be inside and so that the raw edges will be concealed. To do this I secure the hook II in one end of the tube A, as in Fig. 2, and preferably inserting the hook from the outer side of the fabric.

The hook H, and the adjacent loop I0, are then directed into the tube so that all three bars 6, I, and 8 are enclosed, the tube end sliding over the bar 6 until the fabric stops in the loop or turn 9. The end of the tube A is then inserted within itself, as shown in Fig. 3, and when the operator then holds the tube between the fingers of one hand and pulls the threader through with the other hand the tube will become completely inverted, as shown in Fig. 4, at which time the threader can be easily removed. It will of course be understood that where the tube is of substantial length, so that the threader will not immediately project from one end for pulling action, it is a simple matter to work it longitudinally by manipulation from outside of the fabric.

In Fig. 5 I have shown the threader as having its loop 9 in engagement with one end of a cord C, which is to be drawn through loops between a pair of fabrics D sewed together by spaced rows of stitchings E which define the tube limits. This is known as cording. However, strips or tapes similar to C may likewise be drawn through belt tunnels, or other passages in or through which it is desired to draw such flexible members.

It is important to note that as the hook ll extends beyond the loop ID the hookv will in no way be interfered with by the loop, and that the loop will effectively protect the hook against damage and from catching in material except when so desired. The loop l0 also constitutes a rounded nose to expedite the threading operation. The triple bar construction also causes the prong of the hook and the exposed end of the bar 8 to point in the same direction, or rearwardly, so that neither can catch in the fabric material when the device is pushed through a tube or other passageway.

It is understood that suitable modifications maybe made in the structure as disclosed, provided such modifications come within the spirit and scope of the appended claim. Having now therefore fully illustrated and described my invention, what I claim to benew and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

A threading and tube inverting device comprising a single piece of wire bent back upon itself at two abrupt end loops whereby two end bar portions will be parallel with and lie continguously adjacent to an intermediate bar portion, said bar portions all being of substantially equal length, one of said end bar portions having a pointed hook at its free end extending beyond the loop connecting the other two bar portions but having its point directed toward but terminating short of such loop.

LILLY MAY WIDMARK. 

